There is a correlation between stress and cholesterol levels, although it’s complex and influenced by both physiological and behavioural factors.

🔬 Physiological Mechanisms

1. Stress hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline) can trigger metabolic changes:
   • They can increase the liver’s production of cholesterol, especially LDL (“bad” cholesterol).
   • They can also affect how the body metabolises fat, increasing circulating triglycerides.
2. Inflammation: Chronic stress promotes low-grade inflammation, which contributes to plaque buildup in arteriesand worsens cholesterol profiles.

🚶 Behavioural Mechanisms

Stress often leads to behaviours that indirectly raise cholesterol, such as:

• Poor diet: Increased intake of high-fat or high-sugar comfort foods.
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking or alcohol use
• Poor sleep, which affects lipid metabolism

📊 Research Evidence

• Studies have shown that chronic stress (e.g., work stress, caregiving, trauma) is associated with higher total and LDL cholesterol.
• Some studies link hostility and anxiety with worse lipid profiles.
• Stress management interventions (like mindfulness or cognitive-behavioural therapy) have shown modest improvements in cholesterol.

🧠 Bottom Line

Stress does not directly cause high cholesterol, but it contributes through a combination of hormonal, inflammatory, and behavioral pathways. Managing stress is a valuable part of improving overall cardiovascular health.